Kenin makes it a family affair
SUPERSTITIOUS: HER MOM REFUSES TO WATCH ON TV
Sofia Kenin had to call her superstitious mother to break the news that she’d won the Australian Open on Saturday because she refuses to watch on TV, fearing it will bring bad luck.
The 21-year-old’s father is her coach but the rest of the family was back in the United States as Kenin announced herself to the sporting world with her first Grand Slam title.
The 14th seed showed all her trademark battling qualities to stun two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 in Melbourne.
“I called her right after the match just to tell her that everything’s fine, I won, she can just relax now,” a beaming Kenin said, glass of champagne in hand, referring to mother Lena.
“She’s been really stressed at home, very superstitious.
“I told her I’m not going to be able to talk to you for hours, but at least you know that I won.
“I’m coming home, you can give me the biggest hug of your life.”
At least Lena did not suffer alone and was accompanied by Kenin’s grandmother, sister and the family dogs back in Florida.
“They don’t watch, my mom cannot watch me,” said Moscow-born
Kenin.
But she is a proud American who will now usurp Serena Williams as the top-ranked player from the United States.
“She doesn’t like watching, it’s fine.”
Kenin, who dumped top seed and home hope Ashleigh Barty out in the semifinals, said repeatedly that her mental strength was key to the biggest title of her tennis life.
Kenin pinpointed the fifth game of the deciding set, when she was down 0-40 on her serve before reeling off five clean winners in a row to go up 3-2, as the moment the match swung in her favour. – AFP